Bolivia offers an impressive range of natural scenery, from high Andean plateaus and colourful lagoons to Amazonian forests and dramatic mountain formations. Its protected areas provide opportunities to enjoy remote landscapes, walk through natural surroundings, and experience places that feel far removed from busy cities.

Some destinations are easy to include in a wider holiday, while others require more preparation and longer journeys. Here are five remarkable places to consider when planning a trip through Bolivia.

Madidi: A Journey into the Amazon

Located in northwestern Bolivia, Madidi National Park covers a vast area that stretches from high mountain environments to lowland rainforest. This range of elevations creates a remarkable variety of landscapes, including cloud forests, rivers, and dense tropical vegetation.

Many visitors begin their journey in Rurrenabaque, where boat transfers provide access to remote areas of the park. Community-based accommodation, including Chalalán Ecolodge, offers a way to experience the rainforest while supporting local tourism initiatives. Visitors can arrange guided forest walks and river journeys, with multi-day stays allowing more time to appreciate the surroundings.

Madidi requires advance planning because transport and accommodation options are limited in remote sections. A recent published estimate places the international entrance fee at approximately €14. Organised stays and boat transfers are additional expenses, and travellers should confirm the latest rates before departure.

Sajama: High Mountains and Natural Springs

Sajama National Park is located in western Bolivia, close to the border with Chile. It protects the country's highest mountain, Nevado Sajama, which reaches approximately 6,542 metres. The surrounding landscape includes wide highland plains, volcanic peaks, unusual rock formations, and ancient queñua woodlands.

The area is especially appealing to visitors interested in mountain scenery and outdoor activities. Because of the altitude, visitors should allow time to adjust before attempting strenuous activities. The international entrance fee is approximately €7.

Noel Kempff Mercado: Remote Forest Landscapes

In eastern Bolivia, Noel Kempff Mercado National Park offers a remote setting with extensive rainforest, open savanna, and impressive rocky escarpments. Covering more than 1.5 million hectares, it is one of the country's largest protected areas. One of its most distinctive features is the contrast between forested lowlands and elevated tablelands. The park's waterfalls and broad natural viewpoints add to its appeal, particularly for visitors interested in photography and less-developed destinations.

Reaching the park is more complicated than visiting areas closer to major cities. Most trips require organised transport and careful arrangements through an experienced tour operator in Santa Cruz. Visitors should also register their journey with the national park service before entering.

Amboró: Forests Near Santa Cruz

Amboró National Park lies approximately 40 kilometres from Santa Cruz, making it a practical choice for travellers who want to experience natural surroundings without undertaking a very long journey. Its location brings together different landscape types, including Andean foothills, humid forest, and drier woodland areas.

The park offers opportunities for guided walks, scenic viewpoints, and visits to waterfalls. Some routes pass through thick vegetation, while others lead to open areas with views across the surrounding hills. The range of environments makes Amboró an interesting destination for visitors who enjoy exploring different landscapes within one protected area.

Eduardo Avaroa: Colourful Andean Landscapes

Although it is technically a national reserve rather than a national park, Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve deserves a place on a Bolivia nature itinerary. Located in the country's southwest, it is known for its striking high-altitude scenery, colourful lagoons, volcanic formations, and geothermal areas.

Laguna Colorada is one of its best-known viewpoints, with distinctive reddish water and a dramatic mountain setting. Visitors can also include geysers and other mineral-rich lagoons on organised journeys through the region. Most travellers visit as part of a multi-day four-wheel-drive excursion connecting the Uyuni salt flats with nearby destinations. The international entrance fee is approximately €11.

Bolivia's protected landscapes offer very different experiences, from the rainforest surroundings of Madidi to Sajama's mountain scenery and the colourful high-altitude formations of Eduardo Avaroa. Choosing a few areas rather than attempting to visit everything will make the journey easier to organise and leave more time to appreciate each destination.